Central can’t hold off surging Toppers

For the first 30 minutes of Wilson Central’s AAA State Tournament opener Thursday, it was well in control of the Wildcats. They hadn’t put Science Hill away, but they were dictating the action.

But the last 1:45 belonged to the Toppers, as they finished on a 12-0 run to grab the 51-45 win over Central.After falling behind 11-4, Central battled back and took the lead 12-11 at the end of the first. Central maintained that lead to the half, staying up 24-21.

The Wildcats led by as many as six in the third, but Science Hill cut it to two going into the fourth, 35-33. They game was tied at 37-37 in the fourth, but the Wildcats used a 9-2 run to go up 46-39 on buckets by Dee Oldham, Jacob Williams and Tyler Soffiantino. With 1:45 remaining, the game flipped almost instantly. Will Adams got the bucket and foul for the Toppers. He nailed the free throw, and a C.J. Good steal and layup by Reed Hayes cut it to 46-44.

Oldham went to the basket on the other end, but got blocked. The Central fan base exploded, as they wanted a foul, but the ball went the other way. Good nailed a three-pointer from the corner, and the Toppers had the lead.

An Oldham jumper rimmed off, and Science Hill took it to the other end. Calvin Songster laid it in, and the lead was up to three. Williams’ 3-point attempt rattled out and Science Hill grabbed the rebound to secure the win. Williams led the way for Central with 19 points. Oldham had 14. Central finished the season 26-7.

Memphis East ended up winning the state title, 71-61 over Memphis Central.